From
Bangkok, take a bus from the Northern (Moh Chit) Bus Terminal to Supanburi,
100 km to the northwest, then take a local bus northeast 15 km on
the road to Ang Thong. The wat is 0.5 km in.

TELEPHONE
:

0-3552-2005

MEDITATION
SYSTEM :

Ajahn Dhammadharo
developed a vipassana technique using hand movements that gave good
results in his practice. After 9 years of using this method, he
felt confident in teaching it to others. Sitting meditation typically
begins with some metta practice (benefits include helping to clear
the mind of hindrances) followed by anapansati (to calm the mind).
One then begins the prescribed hand and finger movements, using
either arm, while directing attention to the palm or fingers. Sensations
arising in the hand, then extending along the arm to the chest,
back, and head are used in development of clear comprehension leading
to penetrating insight. Touch-point sensations are used too. The
meditation system instructions have been translated into English
in the book TheManual of Insight Meditation; Practising
Clear Comprehension in Accordance with the Maha Satipatthana Sutta by Pannavuddho Bhikkhu; this book should be available
at the wat.

TEACHING
METHOD :

Lectures (occasionally
by Ajahn Dhammadharo) and by asking questions. Books and tapes in
Thai can be purchased, as can the English book by Pannavuddho.

TEACHERS
:

Ajahn
Dhammadharo, abbot (Thai; age 78) assisted by senior monks.

LANGUAGE
:

One
should speak good Thai in order to take advantage of the teachings
here. Some monks and nuns can speak a little English.

DESCRIPTION
:

A
large temple of 70 rai (28 acres) surrounded by rice fields. Trees
shade the central area. On arrival at the main entrance, you'll find
the office in the raised building on the left just past the abbot's
house; the large sala ahead, also on stilts, is used for eating and
meditation; turn left at the junction and follow the path for the bot . exceptionally beautiful even by high Thai standards.
The Buddha image inside sits in a teaching pose under a large artificial
tree.

Good
quality and variety. Monks and novices take a temple bus to Supanburi,
Ang Thong, or other nearby town for pindabat; laypeople are welcome
to come along and help collect food. Two meals in morning; nuns and
laypeople eat after monks and novices.

ACCOMMODATIONS
:

Monks
and novices stay in individual kutis of stone or wood; fairly close
together. All have electricity and running water; newer kutis have
Thai-style bathrooms. Laymen have shared rooms or dormitories; nuns
and laywomen usually share rooms.

WRITE
IN ADVANCE? :

Not
necessary.

OTHER
INFORMATION :

Ajahn Dhammadharo
began teaching about 1954. His first center was Wat Chai Na (Wat Tow
Kote) in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province in the south. In the 1970s
he moved to his home province and founded Wat Sai Ngam. Discipline
is left mostly to the individual. Laypeople observe 8 precepts and
wear white; they also wear a white sash over their shoulder. The sash
( pah sabay chieng ) can be purchased in the temple
shop. Unless entering or leaving the temple grounds, residents walk
barefoot everywhere.